The State of Minimum Wage Changes in 2010

There is only one scheduled state minimum wage increase this year.   This is a dramatic contrast to 2009 when more than 20 states increased their minimum wage rates.

The Illinois minimum wage will increase to $8.25 on July 1 in the final step of a three-step annual increase that began in 2008.  This change will affect the state labor law poster.

The Nevada minimum wage poster is due for an annual adjustment on July 1.   However, it is unlikely that it will increase since none of the 9 states with a January 1 annual adjustment for inflation changed their rate except Colorado, which decreased its rate.   (See more details in my last blog, “Times Have Changed for State Minimum Wages”.)

This is also the first year since 2007 that there will not be a federal minimum wage increase in July. Last year’s increase on July 24, 2009, to $7.25 per hour was the final step in a three-step increase.

Several states are considering a wide range of minimum wage proposals this year, including the following:

• A bill was introduced in the Washington state legislature that would allow reduction of the state minimum wage.   (The Washington state minimum wage is currently the highest in the nation at $8.55 per hour.)
• A proposed bill in the Missouri legislature would cut the state minimum wage for teen workers (those below age 20).
• In Arizona a bill was introduced to decrease the youth wage (for those under 22).
• In Maine a bill was introduced to adjust the state minimum wage annually for inflation.
• A bill was introduced in the Hawaii legislature to increase the minimum wage.